Flat Rental Fraudster Caught After Scamming Victims Out of Hundreds
Wilton Man’s Rental Con Leaves Victims Penniless
Kyle Jackson, 31, from Wilton, has pleaded guilty to scamming desperate tenants out of hundreds of pounds by fraudulently advertising his flat for rent. Over the past year, Jackson tricked multiple victims by promising to rent them his property — then vanished with their cash.
Jackson would arrange viewings, then demand around £600 as a deposit plus £600 for the first month’s rent. Payments were often made in cash or bank transfers to a relative’s account. He even handed victims email or handwritten receipts to make the scam seem legit.
Excuses, Empty Promises, and No Flat
After cashing in, Jackson made excuses and promised to refund the money “next week.” But he never did. Many victims were left not only out of pocket but also scrambling for accommodation, with one reportedly ending up homeless.
The victims alerted police. At Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 30 January 2025, Jackson admitted nine counts of fraud by false representation.
Police Crack Down, Warn Renters to Stay Sharp
“Jackson is a prolific fraudster who has scammed several victims out of money that they needed to secure a roof over their head,” said PC Bues of the Salisbury Response Team. “His actions have had serious, real-world consequences – one victim was made homeless as a result. There can be no justification for this, and we are now working to see if the victims can receive compensation.”
Jackson’s sentencing is set for 12 March 2025.
PC Bues urged renters to be cautious: “Do your due diligence when renting. Use reputable estate agents or trusted websites with verification. Always view properties in person and never pay before seeing the place. If you’re worried, contact your bank immediately and avoid cash payments.”
Wiltshire Police Investigate More Possible Victims
Wiltshire Police continue probing whether Jackson duped more people with his rental scam. Anyone who suspects they were targeted is urged to get in touch.
